Why I my choose not to keep Direct TV

[mastrauckas]

I just bought me a brand new HDTV so I'm moving my old HDTV upstairs and putting the new HDTV into the living room. So I want to keep my HD-DVR downstairs with the new TV and get a new HD reciever for upstairs. So I call Direct TV and they tell me I have to pay $99 + shipping for the new receiver. So I have to pay $99 + shipping for a receiver and $5 a month for a reciever I don't even own? Maybe it's me but that doesn't make any sense?

Heck, when I was with TW if I wanted a new receiver, I just drop by their office and they gave me a new receiver and I just had to pay for leasing it each month. However, Direct TV makes you buy it(in my opinion, paying $99 is paying for it.) and lease it.

On top of that you can't trust a word any of the CSR's or sales people say. If they give you wrong information and you call back later because you were told wrong information Direct TV will not honor it at all.

I am thinking long and hard about not keeping Direct TV once my lease is up. Am I am the only one that thinks Direct TV is kind of a shady company?

[Curtis0620]

yes

[tcusta00]

I just bought me a brand new HDTV so I'm moving my old HDTV upstairs and putting the new HDTV into the living room. So I want to keep my HD-DVR downstairs with the new TV and get a new HD reciever for upstairs. So I call Direct TV and they tell me I have to pay $99 + shipping for the new receiver. So I have to pay $99 + shipping for a receiver and $5 a month for a reciever I don't even own? Maybe it's me but that doesn't make any sense?

Heck, when I was with TW if I wanted a new receiver, I just drop by their office and they gave me a new receiver and I just had to pay for leasing it each month. However, Direct TV makes you buy it(in my opinion, paying $99 is paying for it.) and lease it.

On top of that you can't trust a word any of the CSR's or sales people say. If they give you wrong information and you call back later because you were told wrong information Direct TV will not honor it at all.

I am thinking long and hard about not keeping Direct TV once my lease is up. Am I am the only one that thinks Direct TV is kind of a shady company?

How much is your total bill going to be at Time Warner compared to DirecTV, including monthly lease fees?

[mastrauckas]

no

[bwaldron]

I am thinking long and hard about not keeping Direct TV once my lease is up. Am I am the only one that thinks Direct TV is kind of a shady company?

I'm sure you are not alone.

But no, they are not a "shady" company in my book. And they stand up quite well to their competitors. If I didn't think so, I wouldn't remain a customer.

[mastrauckas]

When I was with TW my bill was 130 with RR and now it's 80 without RR. So I'm saving about $20 dollars but with more headaches and no locals in HD.

[tcusta00]

When I was with TW my bill was 130 with RR and now it's 80 without RR. So I'm saving about $20 dollars but with more headaches and no locals in HD.

Don't know what RR is but is it worth 20 bucks more? :lol:

If the "headaches" and lack of locals aren't worth the $20 savings I'd suggest moving. It's only TV. Not worth the headaches and complaints if it really bugs ya that much.

On the other hand, if you break it down, the extra 20 bucks you're paying at Time Warner makes it worth it to go with DirecTV and buy the new receiver if you're going to keep it for more than 5 months... 5 months x $20 = $100, or the cost of the new HD DVR. Right? Any period of time you decide to keep DirecTV over TW over the 5 months you're saving $20 a month.

[dtrell]

When I was with TW my bill was 130 with RR and now it's 80 without RR. So I'm saving about $20 dollars but with more headaches and no locals in HD.

but with much much more national HD than with TW.

[mastrauckas]

I've only been with Direct TV since August and this is why I think they are shady:

Was told by sales person locals were HD in my area. Was not true.
Will have local HD in your area by end of year. Was not true
Price sales person gave me when I signed up. Was completely wrong.
Second price of bill after 1st month adjustments. Was still wrong.
Giving me discounts to try to make up for everything I was told wrong. This just made my bill so confusing to deal with I don't even want discounts anymore.
Trying to force me to buy an HD receiver that is most likely recycled and I have to pay a monthly fee for.

[say-what]

All I know is that should I switch to Cox, they're going to charge me an installation fee of almost $100 ($175 if I add internet), then almost $20/month per DVR (their website will only allow me to choose 1 DVR when I did a test configuration, so I may not even be able to get the same equipment setup I now have). So, with 4 DVR's I'd be paying almost $80/month without any programming. Sounds like a great deal to me ----- NOT.

So, I'd rather pay the $99 once for a HR2x and the $4.99/month mirroring fee with DirecTV, than even consider Cox.

[tcusta00]

I've only been with Direct TV since August and this is why I think they are shady:

Was told by sales person locals were HD in my area. Was not true.
Will have local HD in your area by end of year. Was not true
Price sales person gave me when I signed up. Was completely wrong.
Second price of bill after 1st month adjustments. Was still wrong.
Giving me discounts to try to make up for everything I was told wrong. This just made my bill so confusing to deal with I don't even want discounts anymore.
Trying to force me to buy an HD receiver that is most likely recycled and I have to pay a monthly fee for.
Sorry your experience hasn't been good.

I don't think they are forcing you to buy a receiver though...

[mastrauckas]

It really matter if Direct TV has 50 more channels than TW if I don't watch them. TW doesn't have 1 or 2 national HD channels I watch. At the same time Direct TV doesn't have any of the local HD channels.

[WestDC]

D* will be sorry to hear that you are leaving -- Goodbye and enjoy tour TW service I'm sure they will treat you way better, if you don't think so I suggest you visit any TW web forum and you can find out about all the satisfied customers you will be joining.:lol:

[Curtis0620]

I've only been with Direct TV since August and this is why I think they are shady:

Was told by sales person locals were HD in my area. Was not true.
Will have local HD in your area by end of year. Was not true
Price sales person gave me when I signed up. Was completely wrong.
Second price of bill after 1st month adjustments. Was still wrong.
Giving me discounts to try to make up for everything I was told wrong. This just made my bill so confusing to deal with I don't even want discounts anymore.
Trying to force me to buy an HD receiver that is most likely recycled and I have to pay a monthly fee for.

Aren't you still under a 2-year commitment?

You must factor in how much you must pay to break the agreement.

[bonscott87]

Trying to force me to buy an HD receiver that is most likely recycled and I have to pay a monthly fee for.

So you'd rather pay $300-400 to own it and still pay the $5 monthly fee?

You may not realize that you pay a $5 programming mirror fee no matter if you own or lease a receiver. Just called something different.
Leased = "Lease fee"
Owned = "Additional receiver fee"

Also keep in mind this is only for your 2nd and additional receiver, your primary receiver carries no monthly fee.

Let's also compare to cable. Sure, you can go down and pick up an HD DVR at no cost, but you fail to mention the monthly fee for that. $15 a month here.

Sooooo with DirecTV it's $99 up front and $5 per month.
Cable it's $0 up front and $15 a month.

So after 10 months with cable I just paid the same amount as with DirecTV. From then on I'd keep on paying cable $10 more a month *forever*.

Call me crazy I'd much rather pay $99 up front and get that lower monthly fee then go with cable where you just keep on paying and paying and paying..... :)

[mastrauckas]

Sorry your experience hasn't been good.

I don't think are forcing you to buy a receiver though...

Your right, they're not forcing because I'm choosing not to buy it. However if I choose to cancel they will try to give me one for free but it will be to late. :nono2:

[tcusta00]

Your right, they're not forcing because I'm choosing not to buy it. However if I choose to cancel they will try to give me one for free but it will be to late. :nono2:

Well, good luck with Time Warner. Keep in touch and let us know how it goes.

[MountainMan10]

I love these discusions about how lease should = free.

[Curtis0620]

Still would like to know how he isn't going to pay a cancellation fee.

[JosephB]

Sure, it's strange to pay an upfront cost in a leasing model, however in the long run as it has already been illustrated here, the costs are less than cable. They're not shady because they are up front about it and very consistent about the charges. If they tried to sneak it in, pile up fees, etc.. then that would be shady.

[tcusta00]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't TWC charge a Receiver/DVR fee of $6.31 for the primary receiver, $8.50 for the second receiver(and for each additional), and a $10.00 per TV?

If I'm right that's $34.81 for two HD-DVRs or $835.44/24 months and that's before programming.

The same two HD-DVRs with DirecTV would be Free for the primary, $4.99 for the second, $10.99 DVR fee for a total $15.98 or $383.52+$99=$482.52/24months.

If you have three HD-DVRs
TWC - $53.31
DirecTV - $20.97

This is before programming. Am I missing something? :scratchin

Mike


Yes, if we're leaving programming out of it, you missed the crappy Motorola DVRs. :lol:

[huskur]

dont pay a lease fee at all. just go to best buy and purchase a reveiver. Simple solution

[say-what]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't TWC charge a Receiver/DVR fee of $6.31 for the primary receiver, $8.50 for the second receiver(and for each additional), and a $10.00 per TV?

If I'm right that's $34.81 for two HD-DVRs or $835.44/24 months and that's before programming.

The same two HD-DVRs with DirecTV would be Free for the primary, $4.99 for the second, $10.99 DVR fee for a total $15.98 or $383.52+$99=$482.52/24months.

If you have three HD-DVRs
TWC - $53.31
DirecTV - $20.97

This is before programming. Am I missing something? :scratchin

MikeFor DirecTV it isn't a 10.99 DVR fee, it's 5.99, so your total should be, 263.52 + 99 = 362.52 over 2 years

[evan_s]

dont pay a lease fee at all. just go to best buy and purchase a reveiver. Simple solution

1) a receiver bought at best buy is still a lease. The only way to OWN a dvr is either to purchase a hr21pro or to buy directly from directv for ~500$.

2) even when you own the dvr the charge per month is exactly the same it's just called a mirroring fee instead.

[Mike Bertelson]

For DirecTV it isn't a 10.99 DVR fee, it's 5.99, so your total should be, 263.52 + 99 = 362.52 over 2 yearsYou are correct, Sorry.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't TWC charge a Receiver/DVR fee of $6.31 for the primary receiver, $8.50 for the second receiver(and for each additional), and a $10.00 per TV?

If I'm right that's $34.81 for two HD-DVRs or $835.44/24 months and that's before programming.

The same two HD-DVRs with DirecTV would be Free for the primary, $4.99 for the second, $5.99 DVR fee, $10.99 for HD for a total $20.98 or $503.52+$99=$602.52/24months. I assume the first HD-DVR is free for new customers.

If you have three HD-DVRs
TWC - $53.31 or $1279.44/24months
DirecTV - $26.97 or $647.28+$99+$99=$845.28/24months

This is before programming.

Mike

[tomkarl]

This site is an excellent source for information; however you won't find much sympathy here if you complain about Directv. Many here think that Directv can do no wrong.

I like the service and find it very reliable. However, that being said, over the maybe 10 times since 2002 that I have had to talk to a CSR, I have NEVER had a positive experience contacting them by phone (many folks here will say the issue is with me.)

I find their CSR's to be untrained and unknowledgeable about their own products and services. They have a term here about CSR Roulette. Call three CSR's and you'll get three different answers.

Directv's CSR's also seem to have a problem getting it right when you should or shouldn't have your contract extended, so if you do stay, check carefully when anything occurs that may cause a contract extension.

[JosephB]

dont pay a lease fee at all. just go to best buy and purchase a reveiver. Simple solution

If you own the equipment you still have to pay a mirror fee, which has applied since the inception of DirecTV. If you lease, they waive the mirror fee. Either way, each additional box is going to cost $5 a month. The only difference is for the right to say that it is honest to god your box, you get to pay triple the cost.

Look at it this way:
HD DVR costs $199 + $5 lease fee if you're an existing customer and adding this to your account. They waive the $199 if you're a new customer, by the way. (we'll leave the DVR fee out since it applies regardless.)

to buy it, you're going to pay upwards of $400 and if it's not the only box on your account you're going to pay a $5 mirror fee. So, you're already paying almost double to own it.

What's the point? Why do you want to own it? What are you going to do with it if you cancel DirecTV? Sell it? Suppose you want to sell it on ebay. Right now HR22s are going for an average of $150. If you manage to sell it for $150, you've made back the extra money you had to pay to own it instead of lease it, and you STILL don't retain ownership, you had to deal with putting it on ebay, shipping, etc.

I'm not quite sure why it's such a big deal. Hell, if you keep the thing long enough and they upgrade to a new model, they'll probably tell you to keep it if you ever deactivate it (as they're currently doing with D10s and D11s)

[JosephB]

You are correct, Sorry.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't TWC charge a Receiver/DVR fee of $6.31 for the primary receiver, $8.50 for the second receiver(and for each additional), and a $10.00 per TV?

If I'm right that's $34.81 for two HD-DVRs or $835.44/24 months and that's before programming.

The same two HD-DVRs with DirecTV would be Free for the primary, $4.99 for the second, $5.99 DVR fee, $10.99 for HD for a total $20.98 or $503.52+$99=$602.52/24months. I assume the first HD-DVR is free for new customers.

If you have three HD-DVRs
TWC - $53.31 or $1279.44/24months
DirecTV - $26.97 or $647.28+$99+$99=$845.28/24months

This is before programming.

Mike

I think you're giving TWC too much credit, because you included the DirecTV HD access fee and not any HD fees that Time Warner would charge (usually you *must* subscribe to digital cable to get HD)

[Mike Bertelson]

This site is an excellent source for information; however you won't find much sympathy here if you complain about Directv. Many here think that Directv can do no wrong.

I like the service and find it very reliable. However, that being said, over the maybe 10 times since 2002 that I have had to talk to a CSR, I have NEVER had a positive experience contacting them by phone (many folks here will say the issue is with me.)

I find their CSR's to be untrained and unknowledgeable about their own products and services. They have a term here about CSR Roulette. Call three CSR's and you'll get three different answers.

Directv's CSR's also seem to have a problem getting it right when you should or shouldn't have your contract extended, so if you do stay, check carefully when anything occurs that may cause a contract extension.I don't think DirecTV can do no wrong.

I and others have complained often. Most of us are realistic about DirecTV and as it compares to cable.(I said most not all)

Don't let some members un-helpful posts over shadow the rest. :grin:

My 2¢.

Mike

[tcusta00]

This site is an excellent source for information; however you won't find much sympathy here if you complain about Directv. Many here think that Directv can do no wrong.


What did DirecTV do wrong here?

[evan_s]

I do have to admit it felt a little odd to be paying upfront for a lease on a HD DVR but in the end when I looked at things the cost long term is a lot lower and the DirecTV DVR is a lot better than the Motorola box I had with Comcast. The more DVRs you add the more it swings towards DirecTV. I do think it is unfortunate that they call it a lease fee since ultimately your charged the same thing either way. Calling it a lease just seems to upset customers when they feel like they have to pay up front and continue paying for the box.

[Mike Bertelson]

Everyone needs to realize the the monthly mirror/lease/additional receiver fee is going to be charged to all but the primary receiver regardless if it's owned or leased.

You cannot purchase a receiver and not pay the fee.(unless of course it's the primary in which case you wouldn't have to pay it anyway :grin:)

Mike

[erosroadie]

Sure, it's strange to pay an upfront cost in a leasing model, however in the long run as it has already been illustrated here, the costs are less than cable. They're not shady because they are up front about it and very consistent about the charges. If they tried to sneak it in, pile up fees, etc.. then that would be shady.

D* is using a similar model to the mobile phone companies. You may end up paying for a phone, and you may end up keeping it, but if you break their 2-year commitment, there will be a penalty assessed.

While you can get a free phone with a two-year commitment in some cases, the phone is usually an older model with fewer features. I suppose D* could offer a similar deal, with HR10s being offered for free (but then the HD portion wouldn’t be available much longer)...:rolleyes:

[Mike Bertelson]

What did DirecTV do wrong here?I think he has the impression that we will defend DirecTV no matter what.

Something I patently disagree with. :)

Mike

[Mike Bertelson]

I think you're giving TWC too much credit, because you included the DirecTV HD access fee and not any HD fees that Time Warner would charge (usually you *must* subscribe to digital cable to get HD)Isn't that part of the programming package? That's why I didn't include it.

Mike

[Steve Robertson]

I always fell the joy especially after 13 years with D*

[tomkarl]

What did DirecTV do wrong here?

In post number 9, the OP indicates that he was given much incorrect information from Directv's CSR's.

I wasn't on the call so I cannot confirm either way. However, his experience matches mine. So that's all I have to go on.

[JosephB]

D* is using a similar model to the mobile phone companies. You may end up paying for a phone, and you may end up keeping it, but if you break their 2-year commitment, there will be a penalty assessed.

While you can get a free phone with a two-year commitment in some cases, the phone is usually an older model with fewer features. I suppose D* could offer a similar deal, with HR10s being offered for free (but then the HD portion wouldn’t be available much longer)...:rolleyes:

Yeah, however if you break your commitment with DirecTV you're still responsible for both the ETF and returning the equipment. With a cell phone you're only responsible for the ETF but you're not leasing the phone so it's yours (but it's locked, of course). DirecTV's model is kind of a hybrid cable/cell phone model, though a few cable companies are starting to do contracts too now.

Isn't that part of the programming package? That's why I didn't include it.

Mike
Yeah, but if I read it right you included the HD access fee for DirecTV and included zero programming costs for TWC. I would consider the HD Access fee on DirecTV part of the programming.

[tcusta00]

In post number 9, the OP indicates that he was given much incorrect information from Directv's CSR's.

I wasn't on the call so I cannot confirm either way. However, his experience matches mine. So that's all I have to go on.

This has nothing to do with the topic of the thread... which is what we were talking about. Allow me to summarize:

1. OP tried to get a receiver for free
2. DirecTV said no, it's $99
3. OP isn't happy and starts thread
4. People (including myself) offer him reasons why they charge $99 for receivers
5. Other people call people like myself "defenders" of DirecTV
6. I ask what DirecTV did wrong (i.e., "what were we defending?")

Now you're up to date.

So, I repeat, "What did DirecTV do wrong here?" and let's try to stay on-topic.

[randyk47]

Given that other than no TV my choices are OTA, TWC, U-Verse, or DirecTV I'll stay with DirecTV. I couldn't get TWC to confirm they serviced my house even with a box in the corner of my yard with their name on it. No thanks. :nono2:

[Bill C]

Awsome response, I concur

[kocuba]

This has nothing to do with the topic of the thread... which is what we were talking about. Allow me to summarize:

1. OP tried to get a receiver for free
2. DirecTV said no, it's $99
3. OP isn't happy and starts thread
4. People (including myself) offer him reasons why they charge $99 for receivers
5. Other people call people like myself "defenders" of DirecTV
6. I ask what DirecTV did wrong (i.e., "what were we defending?")

Now you're up to date.

So, I repeat, "What did DirecTV do wrong here?" and let's try to stay on-topic.

You forgot....

7. Some throws in a comment on the OPs improper use of grammer/speeling

:lol:

[tomkarl]

This has nothing to do with the topic of the thread... which is what we were talking about. Allow me to summarize:

1. OP tried to get a receiver for free
2. DirecTV said no, it's $99
3. OP isn't happy and starts thread
4. People (including myself) offer him reasons why they charge $99 for receivers
5. Other people call people like myself "defenders" of DirecTV
6. I ask what DirecTV did wrong (i.e., "what were we defending?")

Now you're up to date.

So, I repeat, "What did DirecTV do wrong here?" and let's try to stay on-topic.

So the only topic that can ever be discussed is the one in the very first post?

This is exactly what I'm talking about.

I guess you told me. Do you feel better for slapping me down?

[tcusta00]

So the only topic that can ever be discussed is the one in the very first post?

Yes, that's the point of a discussion forum... to talk about the topic in each thread.

This is exactly what I'm talking about.

What are you talking about? I'm sorry, you lost me.

I guess you told me. Do you feel better for slapping me down?

Didn't think I "slapped you down" and I'm sorry if you feel that way. I was getting called out for "defending" DirecTV so I merely defended myself... and that involved getting the thread back to topic and reminding you of what the topic was.

[mastrauckas]

This has nothing to do with the topic of the thread... which is what we were talking about. Allow me to summarize:

1. OP tried to get a receiver for free
2. DirecTV said no, it's $99
3. OP isn't happy and starts thread
4. People (including myself) offer him reasons why they charge $99 for receivers
5. Other people call people like myself "defenders" of DirecTV
6. I ask what DirecTV did wrong (i.e., "what were we defending?")

Now you're up to date.

So, I repeat, "What did DirecTV do wrong here?" and let's try to stay on-topic.

[mod note: wording redacted.] This thread was started about why I thinking about
not to keep Direct TV. Including in my reasons was I am not getting a receiver but that was not the only reason.

[Mike Bertelson]

Yeah, however if you break your commitment with DirecTV you're still responsible for both the ETF and returning the equipment. With a cell phone you're only responsible for the ETF but you're not leasing the phone so it's yours (but it's locked, of course). DirecTV's model is kind of a hybrid cable/cell phone model, though a few cable companies are starting to do contracts too now.


Yeah, but if I read it right you included the HD access fee for DirecTV and included zero programming costs for TWC. I would consider the HD Access fee on DirecTV part of the programming.I couldn't find a way to pull the HD cost out of the programming so I left it out.

However, you are correct. In order to compare apples to apples I would have to figure out how to do that.

I figured that since the hardware cost is so much higher then DirecTV thit it didn't matter. :grin:

Mike

[tcusta00]

You are a moron. This thread was started about why I thinking about
not to keep Direct TV. Including in my reasons was I am not getting a receiver but that was not the only reason.

Thanks. Have a nice day.

[Mike Bertelson]

You forgot....

7. Some throws in a comment on the OPs improper use of grammer/speeling

:lol:That may or may not be the most appropriate response but, IMHO, it certainly isn’t how other posters should be judged.

Mike

[MikeR7]

Can DirecTV™ do no wrong?

For me today, yes, they can do no wrong. Out of almost nowhere yesterday they game me (DMA#135) my locals in HD. :lol::lol:

Certainly DMA#79, Columbia should have HD locals by now, but there must be a reason. My sympathies, but that is all I can offer. :nono2:

[davidatl14]

This has nothing to do with the topic of the thread... which is what we were talking about. Allow me to summarize:

1. OP tried to get a receiver for free
2. DirecTV said no, it's $99
3. OP isn't happy and starts thread
4. People (including myself) offer him reasons why they charge $99 for receivers
5. Other people call people like myself "defenders" of DirecTV
6. I ask what DirecTV did wrong (i.e., "what were we defending?")

Now you're up to date.

So, I repeat, "What did DirecTV do wrong here?" and let's try to stay on-topic.


Very well put.

Only would add the OP is now bitter over not being given something for free.


Head back to TWC ASAP.

Seems best for all involved.

[mastrauckas]

Ok here is my cost if I would buy a receiver and pay the leasing fees for 2 years with Direct TV vs Cable:
$99 new receiver
$20 shipping
$120 for leasing($5 * 24 months)
==========================
$239

$238.8 for leasing($9.95 * 24)

So i'm still saving .20 cents on cable over 2 years. With Direct TV I also have to agree to a 2 year contract and cable I don't.

I'm not saying I hate Direct TV, heck if you never have to call their CSR they are a great company. However, anytime you call them there is no trust at all.

The other thing that makes no sense to me is if I call to cancel and telling them I will switch to cable they will most likely give me the receiver for free. So would rather make a customer mad to the point where they want to switch instead of keeping them happy from the beginning? To me that is a bit shady.

[Mike Bertelson]

Very well put.

Only would add the OP is now bitter over not being given something for free.


Head back to TWC ASAP.

Seems best for all involved.Well now if we step back and look at it objectively, the OP may be able to make an informed decision.

Let’s not just dismiss his concerns.

Tcusta00 has a valid point and is in no way saying that the OP bug out.

Mike

[Mike Bertelson]

Ok here is my cost if I would buy a receiver and pay the leasing fees for 2 years with Direct TV vs Cable:
$99 new receiver
$20 shipping
$120 for leasing($5 * 24 months)
==========================
$239

$238.8 for leasing($9.95 * 24)

So i'm still saving .20 cents on cable over 2 years. With Direct TV I also have to agree to a 2 year contract and cable I don't.

I'm not saying I hate Direct TV, heck if you never have to call their CSR they are a great company. However, anytime you call them there is no trust at all.

The other thing that makes no sense to me is if I call to cancel and telling them I will switch to cable they will most likely give me the receiver for free. So would rather make a customer mad to the point where they want to switch instead of keeping them happy from the beginning? To me that is a bit shady.How many receivers do you have.

I ask because that the primary receiver doesn't have a fee. Only additional receivers are subject to the fee.

Also you may be able to purchase the receiver locally and not pay the shipping cost.

What is the DVR fee with TWC?
What is the HD fee with TWC?

I think if you measure the total cost you'll find it's less expensive with DirecTV.

Mike

[Curtis0620]

Ok here is my cost if I would buy a receiver and pay the leasing fees for 2 years with Direct TV vs Cable:
$99 new receiver
$20 shipping
$120 for leasing($5 * 24 months)
==========================
$239

$238.8 for leasing($9.95 * 24)

So i'm still saving .20 cents on cable over 2 years. With Direct TV I also have to agree to a 2 year contract and cable I don't.

I'm not saying I hate Direct TV, heck if you never have to call their CSR they are a great company. However, anytime you call them there is no trust at all.

The other thing that makes no sense to me is if I call to cancel and telling them I will switch to cable they will most likely give me the receiver for free. So would rather make a customer mad to the point where they want to switch instead of keeping them happy from the beginning? To me that is a bit shady.

And the cost for breaking your 2 year commitment early?

[loudo]

The OP stated he has been with DirecTV since August. That in itself should explain why he had to pay for an additional receiver. I know that for the initial installation, DirecTV spent money getting his system set up. Part of the reason for the commitment is to allow DirecTV to recoup the installation costs. If he had gone past the commitment period, they might have been able to do better for him.

As they say, "The Grass Is Always Greener On The Other Side". Well at least until you get there. Once there, you again find policies and procedures that you don't like.

Look at it this way, What costs less, in the long run. DirecTV charges $99 for a HD receiver and a $4.99 a month for Mirroring fee. A typical cable company, as someone stated earlier, charges $15.00 to rent an HD box. So after 12 months I have paid $159 for the DirecTV receiver and monthly mirror fee and $180 for the monthly rental on the cable receiver. So after the 11th month the greener grass, on the cable side, is costing me $10.00 a month more than if I would have just paid the initial $99 and $4.99 a month for the DirecTV box.

[BKC]

This site is an excellent source for information; however you won't find much sympathy here if you complain about Directv. Many here think that Directv can do no wrong.
I like the service and find it very reliable. However, that being said, over the maybe 10 times since 2002 that I have had to talk to a CSR, I have NEVER had a positive experience contacting them by phone (many folks here will say the issue is with me.)

I find their CSR's to be untrained and unknowledgeable about their own products and services. They have a term here about CSR Roulette. Call three CSR's and you'll get three different answers.

Directv's CSR's also seem to have a problem getting it right when you should or shouldn't have your contract extended, so if you do stay, check carefully when anything occurs that may cause a contract extension.

http://www.rpmwarrior.net/images/smilies/bingo.gif

[Shades228]

Ok here is my cost if I would buy a receiver and pay the leasing fees for 2 years with Direct TV vs Cable:
$99 new receiver
$20 shipping
$120 for leasing($5 * 24 months)
==========================
$239

$238.8 for leasing($9.95 * 24)

So i'm still saving .20 cents on cable over 2 years. With Direct TV I also have to agree to a 2 year contract and cable I don't.

I'm not saying I hate Direct TV, heck if you never have to call their CSR they are a great company. However, anytime you call them there is no trust at all.

The other thing that makes no sense to me is if I call to cancel and telling them I will switch to cable they will most likely give me the receiver for free. So would rather make a customer mad to the point where they want to switch instead of keeping them happy from the beginning? To me that is a bit shady.

The value of D* is that if you continue to have them you pay less. After your 2 years you would still be paying $119.4 per year from cable as opposed to $59.88.

[dhhaines]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't TWC charge a Receiver/DVR fee of $6.31 for the primary receiver, $8.50 for the second receiver(and for each additional), and a $10.00 per TV?

If I'm right that's $34.81 for two HD-DVRs or $835.44/24 months and that's before programming.

The same two HD-DVRs with DirecTV would be Free for the primary, $4.99 for the second, $10.99 DVR fee for a total $15.98 or $383.52+$99=$482.52/24months. I assume the first HD-DVR is free for new customers.

If you have three HD-DVRs
TWC - $53.31 or $1279.44/24months
DirecTV - $20.97 or $503.28+$99+$99=$800.28/24months

This is before programming. Am I missing something? :scratchin

Mike

Is that a typo or are you really paying $10.99 DVR fee? I thought it was $5.99 but I don't know anymore since I have the DVR Plus or whatever they cal it plan.

[Mike Bertelson]

Is that a typo or are you really paying $10.99 DVR fee? I thought it was $5.99 but I don't know anymore since I have the DVR Plus or whatever they cal it plan.Yes but I corrected it in a later post. I have since deleted the original post.

Mike

[dhhaines]

Yes but I corrected it in a later post. I have since deleted the original post.

Mike

Yeah... I caught up with you later. :) That's what happens when you come to the party late. :sure:

[RobertE]

Come on guys, play nice or don't play at all. :nono2:

[Tom Robertson]

Come on guys, play nice or don't play at all. :nono2:

My esteemed colleague is quite correct. I've deleted several posts that were not helpful to the original poster's problem with DIRECTV.

:backtotop

[narrod]

Ok here is my cost if I would buy a receiver and pay the leasing fees for 2 years with Direct TV vs Cable:
$99 new receiver
$20 shipping
$120 for leasing($5 * 24 months)
==========================
$239

$238.8 for leasing($9.95 * 24)

So i'm still saving .20 cents on cable over 2 years. With Direct TV I also have to agree to a 2 year contract and cable I don't.

I'm not saying I hate Direct TV, heck if you never have to call their CSR they are a great company. However, anytime you call them there is no trust at all.

The other thing that makes no sense to me is if I call to cancel and telling them I will switch to cable they will most likely give me the receiver for free. So would rather make a customer mad to the point where they want to switch instead of keeping them happy from the beginning? To me that is a bit shady.

It's the business model they use. I'm more concerned about the declining picture quality than I am the pricing structure. If your not happy with them show it by taking your business elsewhere. That's reasonable. It's your money. Currently my only other choice is Insight which is really no choice at all. If I were really smart I would just use OTA and have no monthy costs.:lol:

[Prince Oz]

I was with D* and went with E* because they would not upgrade my equipment to HD for free. I am back with D* again. If you leave, you should do it based on the performance and quaility of your provider. If you are happy with your programming and PQ quality, then the $99 for an additional receiver should not be a problem. They all are going to get something from you eventually.

[huskur]

If you own the equipment you still have to pay a mirror fee, which has applied since the inception of DirecTV. If you lease, they waive the mirror fee. Either way, each additional box is going to cost $5 a month. The only difference is for the right to say that it is honest to god your box, you get to pay triple the cost.

Look at it this way:
HD DVR costs $199 + $5 lease fee if you're an existing customer and adding this to your account. They waive the $199 if you're a new customer, by the way. (we'll leave the DVR fee out since it applies regardless.)

to buy it, you're going to pay upwards of $400 and if it's not the only box on your account you're going to pay a $5 mirror fee. So, you're already paying almost double to own it.

What's the point? Why do you want to own it? What are you going to do with it if you cancel DirecTV? Sell it? Suppose you want to sell it on ebay. Right now HR22s are going for an average of $150. If you manage to sell it for $150, you've made back the extra money you had to pay to own it instead of lease it, and you STILL don't retain ownership, you had to deal with putting it on ebay, shipping, etc.

I'm not quite sure why it's such a big deal. Hell, if you keep the thing long enough and they upgrade to a new model, they'll probably tell you to keep it if you ever deactivate it (as they're currently doing with D10s and D11s)


I only said that for the sake of arguement. Just stating you can indeed own your own receiver. Personally my receivers are all leased and i do have the protection coverage on them for several reasons. I am sure you know what they are. Much rather be able to call them and let them fix "their" equipment in event of failure.

[JosephB]

Now one thing does irk me, and that is the protection plan. If I don't own the boxes, it should be their responsibility to fix them if they break. They shouldn't be warrantied. My apartment wasn't warrantied, I didn't have to pay an extra maintenance fee, and if your cable box goes bad the cable company takes care of it without charging you.

[Mike Bertelson]

Now one thing does irk me, and that is the protection plan. If I don't own the boxes, it should be their responsibility to fix them if they break. They shouldn't be warrantied. My apartment wasn't warrantied, I didn't have to pay an extra maintenance fee, and if your cable box goes bad the cable company takes care of it without charging you.The Protection Plan doesn't cover the receivers(other then the shipping cost).

Without the PP, if your receiver dies DirecTV will replace it for the cost of shipping.

With the PP, shipping is covered as well as service calls to troubleshoot the dish/switches/wiring/connectors/etc. The PP covers everything outside of the recievers.

Leased receivers are already covered. The PP covers everything else.

Mike

[JosephB]

The Protection Plan doesn't cover the receivers(other then the shipping cost).

Without the PP, if your receiver dies DirecTV will replace it for the cost of shipping.

With the PP, shipping is covered as well as service calls to troubleshoot the dish/switches/wiring/connectors/etc. The PP covers everything outside of the recievers.

Leased receivers are already covered. The PP covers everything else.

Mike

Ok, then that makes more sense.

[OlderNDirt]

First to the op: I understand your frustration, but calling them "shady" would not, IMHO, be appropriate. Consistancy is not one of their strong attributes and many are frustrated from time to time, but having been with them for almost 15 years, I have never felt that they were intentionally trying scam me.


I've only been with Direct TV since August and this is why I think they are shady:

Was told by sales person locals were HD in my area. Was not true.
Will have local HD in your area by end of year. Was not true
Price sales person gave me when I signed up. Was completely wrong.
Second price of bill after 1st month adjustments. Was still wrong.
Giving me discounts to try to make up for everything I was told wrong. This just made my bill so confusing to deal with I don't even want discounts anymore.
Trying to force me to buy an HD receiver that is most likely recycled and I have to pay a monthly fee for.

mastrauckas:

Based on your post, it sounds like you may not have been talking directly with D*, but with a B&M of some sort. Perhaps a clarification would be beneficial?

I do know that a salesperson at a B&M tried to sell me on D* HD at a time when I already had the service by telling me they offered something like 70 or 80 national HD channels. At that time, D* had something like 10-12 channels lit up, so I told the kid that if he could show me proof that there were that many, I would sign up for 2 complete systems. I gave up after 30 minutes of him checking his computer to verify his claim. Sometimes one just has to do their own investigation of claims prior to jumping into a contract.

One of the biggest and most important things D* can do to avoid new customer dissatisfaction is a clarification of the first month's billing. A friend that recently changed from Dish to D* was vehemently upset upon receipt of their first bill that was considerably more then what they were told upon sign up. They regretted ever leaving Dish. I showed them on their bill what their regularly monthly charge would be, but that the first bill also had partial month charges to bring their account current with their billing cycle. It would be great promotion if D* would provide that partial month as a N/C resulting in an accurate first billing, but at the least, they need to clearly state what that first bill is going to entail.

[wingrider01]

Now one thing does irk me, and that is the protection plan. If I don't own the boxes, it should be their responsibility to fix them if they break. They shouldn't be warrantied. My apartment wasn't warrantied, I didn't have to pay an extra maintenance fee, and if your cable box goes bad the cable company takes care of it without charging you.


They will fix them without the PP if they are leased, if you own it, then they are under 0 obligation to repair or replace the dvr. Without the PP if they have to replace a unit, you pay the shipping and handling fee, if they have to roll a truck for something that is not with the dvr, you pay the service call charge for the tech to come out. If they have to replace cabling, dishes, lnbs, multiswitches, you have to pay for them since they are yours. With the PP it covers every one of those senarios, even if you own the DVR. TANSTAAFL

Sorry, cable company here will roll a truck at no change, unless they determine the problem is in your domicle, if it is, then you start going on the pay clock.

[Bill Broderick]

With the number of people who don't understand that the DirecTV lease model (charging an up-front fee for Advanced receivers and charging the same monthly fee, regardless of the receiver capabilities) costs less over the long term than the Cable model (charge a higher monthly fee for advanced receivers), and how angry these people seem to get over the up-front fee, I'm surprised that DirecTV doesn't offer the cable model as an option.

They would make more money and the people, who aren't good at math, wouldn't get so angry at them.

[JosephB]

With the number of people who don't understand that the DirecTV lease model (charging an up-front fee for Advanced receivers and charging the same monthly fee, regardless of the receiver capabilities) costs less over the long term than the Cable model (charge a higher monthly fee for advanced receivers), and how angry these people seem to get over the up-front fee, I'm surprised that DirecTV doesn't offer the cable model as an option.

They would make more money and the people, who aren't good at math, wouldn't get so angry at them.

They'd have to sign you up for a longer contract. If you raised the lease fee $5 to $10 and dropped the $99 up front fee, then you'd have to add a year and a half to the contract to recoup that cost.

[tbpb3]

I just bought me a brand new HDTV so I'm moving my old HDTV upstairs and putting the new HDTV into the living room. So I want to keep my HD-DVR downstairs with the new TV and get a new HD reciever for upstairs. So I call Direct TV and they tell me I have to pay $99 + shipping for the new receiver. So I have to pay $99 + shipping for a receiver and $5 a month for a reciever I don't even own? Maybe it's me but that doesn't make any sense?

Heck, when I was with TW if I wanted a new receiver, I just drop by their office and they gave me a new receiver and I just had to pay for leasing it each month. However, Direct TV makes you buy it(in my opinion, paying $99 is paying for it.) and lease it.

On top of that you can't trust a word any of the CSR's or sales people say. If they give you wrong information and you call back later because you were told wrong information Direct TV will not honor it at all.

I am thinking long and hard about not keeping Direct TV once my lease is up. Am I am the only one that thinks Direct TV is kind of a shady company?

Good Luck to you

[hasan]

This site is an excellent source for information; however you won't find much sympathy here if you complain about Directv. Many here think that Directv can do no wrong.

I like the service and find it very reliable. However, that being said, over the maybe 10 times since 2002 that I have had to talk to a CSR, I have NEVER had a positive experience contacting them by phone (many folks here will say the issue is with me.)

I find their CSR's to be untrained and unknowledgeable about their own products and services. They have a term here about CSR Roulette. Call three CSR's and you'll get three different answers.

Directv's CSR's also seem to have a problem getting it right when you should or shouldn't have your contract extended, so if you do stay, check carefully when anything occurs that may cause a contract extension.

Legitimate complaints against D* get a full discussion and often agreement, at least they have in the two years I've been here. I think you would find, for example, the vast majority of experienced users here are quite familiar with the foibles of D*'s CSRs. They can be a nightmare.

I've had plenty of good experiences with CSRs. I've had several major screw ups with CSRs. Some are good, some are awful, just like installers.

[Satelliteracer]

[QUOTE=mastrauckas;1978012]I've only been with Direct TV since August and this is why I think they are shady:

Was told by sales person locals were HD in my area. Was not true.
Will have local HD in your area by end of year. Was not true
[QUOTE]

Locals in HD are coming to your market in 2009

[tds4182]

Ok here is my cost if I would buy a receiver and pay the leasing fees for 2 years with Direct TV vs Cable:
$99 new receiver
$20 shipping
$120 for leasing($5 * 24 months)
==========================
$239

$238.8 for leasing($9.95 * 24)

So i'm still saving .20 cents on cable over 2 years. With Direct TV I also have to agree to a 2 year contract and cable I don't.

I'm not saying I hate Direct TV, heck if you never have to call their CSR they are a great company. However, anytime you call them there is no trust at all.

The other thing that makes no sense to me is if I call to cancel and telling them I will switch to cable they will most likely give me the receiver for free. So would rather make a customer mad to the point where they want to switch instead of keeping them happy from the beginning? To me that is a bit shady.

It would appear from the overall tone of your posts that your mind is pretty much made up to switch to cable.

Go ahead, we hope you find what you desire with cable.

Now, let's quit beating this absolutely dead horse and go on to other topics. How many of these type discussions have we had in the past?

The answer is: too many!

[Mike Bertelson]

It would appear from the overall tone of your posts that your mind is pretty much made up to switch to cable.

Go ahead, we hope you find what you desire with cable.

Now, let's quit beating this absolutely dead horse and go on to other topics. How many of these type discussions have we had in the past?

The answer is: too many!However, the OP may find some of this info useful to determine what is best. Thus the reason he posted in the first place.

While I understand how it might be frustrating for you to read this thread, imagine the frustration of the OP.

He didn’t get what he thought he was supposed to. He may be venting but may also find helpful responses useful.

Mike

[BKC]

It would appear from the overall tone of your posts that your mind is pretty much made up to switch to cable.

Go ahead, we hope you find what you desire with cable.

Now, let's quit beating this absolutely dead horse and go on to other topics. How many of these type discussions have we had in the past?

The answer is: too many!

And yet here you are reading it and bumping it to the top..... :scratch:

[Ken S]

It would appear from the overall tone of your posts that your mind is pretty much made up to switch to cable.

Go ahead, we hope you find what you desire with cable.

Now, let's quit beating this absolutely dead horse and go on to other topics. How many of these type discussions have we had in the past?

The answer is: too many!

Okay, so what should we talk about? There are millions of people leaving DirecTV every year...voluntarily. Maybe you're not interested in why they're leaving but others may be...for that matter even DirecTV might be interested to know why 180,000+ members cancel their DirecTV service every month.

[cktb2793]

I just bought me a brand new HDTV so I'm moving my old HDTV upstairs and putting the new HDTV into the living room. So I want to keep my HD-DVR downstairs with the new TV and get a new HD reciever for upstairs. So I call Direct TV and they tell me I have to pay $99 + shipping for the new receiver. So I have to pay $99 + shipping for a receiver and $5 a month for a reciever I don't even own? Maybe it's me but that doesn't make any sense?

Heck, when I was with TW if I wanted a new receiver, I just drop by their office and they gave me a new receiver and I just had to pay for leasing it each month. However, Direct TV makes you buy it(in my opinion, paying $99 is paying for it.) and lease it.

On top of that you can't trust a word any of the CSR's or sales people say. If they give you wrong information and you call back later because you were told wrong information Direct TV will not honor it at all.

I am thinking long and hard about not keeping Direct TV once my lease is up. Am I am the only one that thinks Direct TV is kind of a shady company?


Just so you know......... Time Warner may not make you "BUY" their HD DVR .......... but they charge you an $18 a month rental fee for it. That's $216 PER YEAR for EACH of Time Warner's supposedly "FREE" HD DVR's

D*'s $99 plus $5 a month is a BARGAIN compared to that!

I just left Time Warner and was paying $90 a month ON TOP OF my cable bill for 5 of their CRAPPY HD DVR's

D*'s DVR's may not be TIVO........... but they are worlds better than Time Warner's crap boxes and way cheaper in the short and long run.

[igator99]

I just bought me a brand new HDTV so I'm moving my old HDTV upstairs and putting the new HDTV into the living room. So I want to keep my HD-DVR downstairs with the new TV and get a new HD reciever for upstairs. So I call Direct TV and they tell me I have to pay $99 + shipping for the new receiver. So I have to pay $99 + shipping for a receiver and $5 a month for a reciever I don't even own? Maybe it's me but that doesn't make any sense?

Heck, when I was with TW if I wanted a new receiver, I just drop by their office and they gave me a new receiver and I just had to pay for leasing it each month. However, Direct TV makes you buy it(in my opinion, paying $99 is paying for it.) and lease it.

On top of that you can't trust a word any of the CSR's or sales people say. If they give you wrong information and you call back later because you were told wrong information Direct TV will not honor it at all.

I am thinking long and hard about not keeping Direct TV once my lease is up. Am I am the only one that thinks Direct TV is kind of a shady company?

no. They are shady now days. I will leave when my contract is up in October. They are also very ballsy increasing prices in the middle of recession.

[loudo]

no. They are shady now days. I will leave when my contract is up in October. They are also very ballsy increasing prices in the middle of recession.
Everyone is raising their prices, DirecTV, DISH and most cable companies. That is an annual event that happens ever year January through March.

[JLucPicard]

no. They are shady now days. I will leave when my contract is up in October. They are also very ballsy increasing prices in the middle of recession.
Why, why, why do people seem to think that DirecTV is doing something wrong by raising their prices a few dollars and then try to tie it to the current economic times??? :nono::nono::nono:

This is NOT something that isn't expected at this time of year anyway, so it's nothing new this year. Why would they owe it to their customers to "hold the line" for them? Do you hold all the businesses you deal with to the same standards?

Want to talk about ballsy, how about all those companies that tacked on "fuel surcharges" when gas prices were ridiculously high, and now that the gas prices are at or below the level they were long before they started hitting people with surcharges, they just name them something else and keep charging them.

I would really like to hear a rational explanation supporting the idea that DirecTV somehow owes it to it's client base to help see them through these times and maybe even examples of some of the benevolent companies that you deal with on a montly basis that are doing just that?

[wingrider01]

no. They are shady now days. I will leave when my contract is up in October. They are also very ballsy increasing prices in the middle of recession.


Gasoline just jumped 15 cents a gallon here, exxon Mobil turned in 44.5 Billion dolloar profit

electric company just got a ok for a rate increase that comes in march

sewer bill is going up becasue of a rate increase next month

ok, now what is the difference here?

why wait for October? Your ETF will more then likely be less then the total amount you pay between now and october, buy out and change services.

[tcusta00]

Want to talk about ballsy, how about all those companies that tacked on "fuel surcharges" when gas prices were ridiculously high, and now that the gas prices are at or below the level they were long before they started hitting people with surcharges, they just name them something else and keep charging them.


Not to continue the tangent, but, right on!! I can't stand this. :nono2: :mad:

[Shades228]

Not to continue the tangent, but, right on!! I can't stand this. :nono2: :mad:

Show me a company that isn't raising it's prices this year. You're not going to find one. Now I'm sure you can go somewhere and pay less for 6-12 mo with a new customer offer but tell me what the price is once it wears off. Here's a tip. Never ask a sales agent because they know how to tell you a price without it being the whole price.

As for the person who said maybe D* wants to know why people leave their company. They know the reason for every disconnect that happens so long as they get told the real reason.

As far as a shady company well if a business that wants to make money is shady then I guess they are. I must be shady too since my job is to make money and I'm getting a raise which is raising my prices.

Obviously you're unhappy so GL with your new provider. I think however you will see that people on here are not just blowing smoke and that your not getting as ripped off as you want to think you are.

[JLucPicard]

Show me a company that isn't raising it's prices this year. You're not going to find one. Now I'm sure you can go somewhere and pay less for 6-12 mo with a new customer offer but tell me what the price is once it wears off. Here's a tip. Never ask a sales agent because they know how to tell you a price without it being the whole price.
You may want to go back and fix your post so you quote the person for which your post was intended, or go back and re-read the post that tcusta00 quoted to see exactly what he was talking about because it has nothing to do with what YOU posted in response to his post. :)

[tds4182]

Okay, so what should we talk about? There are millions of people leaving DirecTV every year...voluntarily. Maybe you're not interested in why they're leaving but others may be...for that matter even DirecTV might be interested to know why 180,000+ members cancel their DirecTV service every month.


It's not that I (or D* for that matter) am not interested in why people are leaving. Any company should be interested in why they're losing a customer.

It's just that we've hashed (and rehashed) the same set of reason(s) so many times I wonder if there's much new to add. The most common reasons are cost for both service and equipment, committments, lack of HD/SD/local programming, poor equipment, the economy, poor installs, etc, etc..

I'd also be interested in where you came up with your figure of 180K per month of people leaving D*.

Also, how many people are adding D* each month and how do these figures compare to E* and the big CCs?

[loudo]

Okay, so what should we talk about? There are millions of people leaving DirecTV every year...voluntarily. Maybe you're not interested in why they're leaving but others may be...for that matter even DirecTV might be interested to know why 180,000+ members cancel their DirecTV service every month.
I have never seen those figures before. Where did they come from? Even if that is fact, they are still getting more than they are loosing. DISH reported a loss, on their last report, but DirecTV still showed an increase.